Source: New Zealand Aged Care Association (ACA)
The New Zealand Aged Care Association (ACA) warmly welcomes today’s announcement by Health Minister Hon Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello of a Ministerial Advisory Group to design a sustainable, fit-for-purpose aged care system.
Chief Executive Hon Tracey Martin said the announcement marks an important moment of national cooperation on one of the most pressing social challenges facing New Zealand.
“This is a truly positive step — not just for the aged care sector, but for all New Zealanders who want to see a strong, fair and enduring system of care for our older population,” Ms Martin said. “It signals a commitment to long-term, bipartisan reform — something the Association has been calling for over the past 18 months. We are genuinely encouraged to see that call being answered.”
Ms Martin said the establishment of the Advisory Group provides an unprecedented opportunity for cross-party collaboration and evidence-based policy development.
“For the past 18 months, we’ve asked for the chance to genuinely participate in designing a system that is stable, sustainable, and investable — one that ensures we have the capacity to care for the rapidly growing number of older Kiwis who will need support in the very near future,” she said. “We commend Ministers Brown and Costello for their leadership and welcome the Government’s intention to bring all parties together around lasting solutions. The ACA stands ready and willing to assist the Advisory Group in any way that will help deliver those outcomes.”
While the Advisory Group’s work will shape long-term reform, Ms Martin noted that its timeline means recommendations will not be available in time to inform the 2026/27 Budget.
“Ministers Brown and Costello understand what is needed to steady the sector in the short term while the Advisory Group develops its proposals,” she said. “We would urge Finance Minister Willis to invite them to bring forward a Budget bid that delivers the immediate support required to give providers confidence and continuity while the longer-term reforms are being developed.”
Practical short-term measures would enable providers to take a more active role in, for example, supporting older New Zealanders to recover after hospitalisation — particularly those aged over 65 who are well enough to leave acute care but not yet ready to return home. By funding short-stay recovery placements in aged residential care, hospitals could free up beds sooner while ensuring older people receive the right care and rehabilitation to regain their independence and safely return home. “Such initiatives would make a tangible difference while the Advisory Group undertakes its important work,” Ms Martin said. “We are committed to working alongside Ministers, officials, and the Advisory Group to help design an aged care system that is equitable, sustainable, and truly built to last.”
